Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 July 2000

56 articles found

Police confiscate stolen palm oil

Police confiscate stolen palm oil PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Police confiscated on Tuesday three trucks carrying some 66 drums of stolen crude palm oil in Mulyaguna village, Ogan Komering Ilir regency. Police officer Asst. Supt. Arum Priyono was quoted by Antara as saying on Thursday police also arrested five people in the raid. Arum said the five were caught stealing the crude palm oil from trucks in the area. (byg)

PKT to challenge PSM in final

PKT to challenge PSM in final JAKARTA (JP): Pupuk Kaltim (PKT) of Bontang and PSM Makassar won their hard-fought semifinals of the Bank Mandiri Indonesian soccer league championship on Thursday, setting up a final between eastern conference teams. PKT, a club owned by a state-owned fertilizer company, booked its final berth after winning a penalty shoot-out against Persikota Tangerang 4-3 in the second semifinal.

RP troops contract malaria in E. Timor

RP troops contract malaria in E. Timor MANILA (AFP): At least 25 Philippine soldiers who served with the UN peacekeeping force in East Timor returned home last month infected with a new strain of malaria, military officials said on Tuesday. The 25 were among nearly 100 soldiers who returned to the Philippines in June from East Timor where they were part of the 500-plus member Filipino force under UN command.

Police make arrests in counterfeit case

Police make arrests in counterfeit case SEMARANG: Twenty suspects were arrested by the Surakarta Police over the past week on suspicion of producing and distributing about Rp 700 million in counterfeit money, Central Java Police spokesman Supt. M. Ramlie said on Thursday. "The suspects were involved in the distribution and production of Rp 50,000 and Rp 20,000 bills. They used to distribute the money in traditional markets and through other cash transactions," Ramlie said.

City residents warned of more bomb blasts

City residents warned of more bomb blasts BIDADARI ISLAND (JP): Jakarta Military commander Maj. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu warned city residents on Thursday that there may be more bomb blasts in the capital in the future. The military chief hinted that the bombing attempts in the city, which followed the initial bomb blast at the Attorney General's Office on June 4, 2000, were connected with previous blasts in a church and in front of a restaurant in the North Sumatran capital of Medan last May.

Cambodian king to sue HK paper

Cambodian king to sue HK paper PHNOM PENH (AP): King Norodom Sihanouk plans to take court action against a Hong Kong newspaper and one of its reporters who wrote that a possible successor to the Cambodian throne was not his own son. In a written statement, received Thursday, Sihanouk said he would take his case against the South China Morning Post and reporter William Barnes before a court in Hong Kong.

INRO postpones council meeting

INRO postpones council meeting KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) said on Thursday it has postponed a meeting of its governing council to Oct. 9 after the group could not decide on the sale of its rubber stocks. "No consensus could be reached," chief executive officer Arch Roberts told reporters after an INRO council meeting in Malaysia's capital.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on July 20, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Various guns on display at police technology expo

Various guns on display at police technology expo JAKARTA (JP): Potential buyers can pick and own the handguns of their choice during the four-day exhibition on police technology at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) in Central Jakarta. The exhibition includes real pistol bullets, teargas handguns, and rubber-bullet pistols in eye-catching displays.

Indonesian Olympic team secures fund

Indonesian Olympic team secures fund BANDUNG (JP): Chairman of the National Sports Council (KONI) Wismoyo Arismunadar retracted on Thursday his concern over fund scarcity which has plagued Indonesia's preparations for the Olympic Games in September. "There are no more obstacles left concerning the fund for the 2000 Olympics," Wismoyo announced here during his visit to the training center for the Paralympic Games, which will follow the Summer Games in Sydney.

Resettlement of Ambon population

Resettlement of Ambon population From Media Indonesia Geographically located on a small island, the city of Ambon is different from other provincial capitals because, generally, they are located on big islands and have direct land communication. I am of the opinion that as a consequence of the increase in Ambon's population as well as the difficulty in getting a job on this small island, the population must be feeling sort of suffocated because of a lack of fresh air.

Golkar gears up to be opposition party

Golkar gears up to be opposition party JAKARTA (JP): The Golkar party said here on Thursday that it would be ready to be an opposition party and hinted that there would be a shakeup of its central aboard ahead of the 2004 general election. Reading a draft of the Golkar's political statement at the end of the party's three-day leadership meeting, Siti Kuraesin of the party's West Java chapter said "Golkar is ready to be outside of the government and will play a role as the opposition party".

Medan airport closed due to thick haze

Medan airport closed due to thick haze MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Polonia International Airport here was closed till about noon on Thursday due to thick haze enveloping the area from the raging forest fires. The head of Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) Station at the airport, R. Syaefuddin, confirmed that visibility during most of the morning was only about 700 meters, far below minimum requirement of 1,200 meters for airflights.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jul. 20, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 535 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 310 0 1,329,500 Alakasa Industrindo 900 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 895 0 769,500 Alter Abadi 290 20 3,575,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,225 0 19,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 330 5 6,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,200 -10 1,050,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Don't blow it Gus!

Don't blow it Gus! President Abdurrahman Wahid squandered a rare chance to come clean before the nation on Thursday, which would have restored some credibility to his besieged office. As laudable was his decision to appear before the House of Representatives to answer an interpellation motion, his responses to the questions posed to him left a lot to be desired.

Rupiah continues bullish performance

Rupiah continues bullish performance JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah maintained its bullish performance for a third consecutive day on Thursday although some feared that political pressure against President Abdurrahman Wahid would intensify in the coming days following his refusal to answer the request from the House of Representatives to explain the firing of two ministers. Currency dealers said the Indonesian currency ended the day 1.5 percent higher at 8,890 against the U.S.

ASEAN likely to keep some tariffs

ASEAN likely to keep some tariffs BANGKOK (Dow Jones): Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) senior officials have agreed in principal to allow member countries maintain import tariffs on some key industries, a senior Thai commerce ministry official said Thursday. The agreement would allow member countries retain tariffs on goods on which protection was supposed to end by the end of 1999, Karun Kittisataporn, the ministry's director-general told a news conference.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition Seni Lukis Indonesia Satu Abad, The Century of the Indonesian Fine Arts, at One Fine Arts Gallery, Jl. Panjang 46, West Jakarta, until Aug. 8. * Painting Exhibition Rampogan by Sri Warso Wahono, at Galeri Cipta II, Ismail Marzuki Cultural Center, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3154087), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until July 23. * Painting Exhibition: Lukisan Indonesia Satu Abad, at One Fine Art Galeri, Jl.

KPC workers continue blockade despite pact

KPC workers continue blockade despite pact JAKARTA (JP): Striking workers at coal mining company PT Kaltim Prima Coal are continuing their blockade of the mine in Sanggata regency, East Kalimantan, despite an earlier agreement to end the strike, a company executive said on Thursday. KPC representative for Jakarta Bambang Susanto said the striking workers had rejected the final settlement reached in Jakarta between representatives of the workers and the company.

Gus Dur's response rocks the House

Gus Dur's response rocks the House JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid angered many House members on Thursday when he failed to answer their questions about his decision to fire two Cabinet ministers in April. A total of 23 House members used the meeting with the President to air their opinions about his response. Support for the President not surprisingly came from members of the National Awakening Party (PKB) which Abdurrahman helped found last year.

Minivan drivers go on strike

Minivan drivers go on strike KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Thousands of students and workers were stranded when minivan drivers went on strike here on Thursday. Antara reported the drivers were protesting the local government's decision to allow some 10 buses owned by a private company to operate in the city. The peaceful protest ended in the afternoon, the news agency said.(byg)

Squabbles stall hostage release in Philippines

Squabbles stall hostage release in Philippines JOLO, Philippines (Reuters): Rebels freed on Thursday a Filipino boy held captive for about two months in the southern Philippines but squabbling among government emissaries threatened to derail other promised releases. Sources close to the government negotiating team said efforts to secure the freedom of seven Malaysians among dozens of mostly foreign hostages were also being hampered by disputes among the rebels over sharing of a huge ransom.

A hostage comes home from RP, but at what price?

A hostage comes home from RP, but at what price? By Andreas Baenziger SINGAPORE (DPA): Philippine President Joseph Estrada wants the hostage drama on Jolo solved by July 24, when he is due to travel to the United States, the former colonial masters of the islands and today the Philippines' most important trading partner.

FSPC to submit new reform program by July 30: Kwik

FSPC to submit new reform program by July 30: Kwik JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie said on Thursday that the government was drafting its third reform program, to be submitted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on July 30.

Wukirasih reaches quarterfinals, while other home players flop

Wukirasih reaches quarterfinals, while other home players flop JAKARTA (JP): Wukirasih Sawondari saved Indonesia's blushes on Thursday at the Extra Joss Women's Circuit-4 tennis tournament by reaching the quarterfinals, the only home player to do so. Wukirasih, a former Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, beat Suci Bungaran 6-2, 6-0 in an all-Indonesian second round match of the US$10,000 event being played at the Kemayoran tennis complex.

Askes asks govt for Rp 435b in subsidies

Askes asks govt for Rp 435b in subsidies JAKARTA (JP): State-owned health insurance company PT Askes is asking the government to fork out some Rp 36 billion a month or Rp 435 billion a year in subsidies for the company's health services. The amount is about equal to the amount received from the premiums paid by the 13.8 million civil servants and their families. "What we get (from the premiums) isn't enough to cover health services for our members.

Groups question selection process of justices

Groups question selection process of justices JAKARTA (JP): Two watchdog organizations criticized the House of Representatives on Thursday for its selection process in shortlisting candidates to fill 20 seats on the Supreme Court. Commission II of the House, which deals with legal affairs, was originally scheduled to announce the names of candidates who had passed the "fit and proper test" on Thursday.

Japan automakers promise to aid its local partners

Japan automakers promise to aid its local partners JAKARTA (JP): Japanese giant automakers grouped in the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) promised on Thursday to help their Indonesian partners in gearing up to face the stiffer competition expected to result from the full implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement in 2003.

UN urges RI to stop violence in Malukus

UN urges RI to stop violence in Malukus UNITED NATIONS (AFP): United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on Wednesday urged Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid to take action to stop religious unrest in the Maluku islands. "I have spoken to President Wahid on this issue and urged him to take all necessary measures to bring the violence to an end," Annan told reporters.

Government agrees to pay compensation to Rudy

Government agrees to pay compensation to Rudy JAKARTA (JP): The Financial Sector Policy Committee (FSPC) approved on Thursday the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency's (IBRA) plans to recapitalize the publicly listed Bank Bali and to provide some Rp 9 billion (US$1 million) in compensation to the bank's former owner and CEO Rudy Ramli.

Taking note of prices at Carrefour

Taking note of prices at Carrefour From Kompas At 2.30 p.m. on May 25 I went to Carrefour at Ratu Plaza Jakarta with a friend to purchase electronic goods for our office. When I was in the television section, I took note of the prices of the television sets that I was interested in buying. Suddenly, an officer with an initial "H" snapped at and roughly pulled me to the back of the hypermarket area for interrogation. I was told that taking note of prices was forbidden.

Govt approves Garuda debt-restructuring plan

Govt approves Garuda debt-restructuring plan JAKARTA (JP): The Financial Sector Policy Committee (FSPC) approved on Thursday the proposed restructuring of some US$1.2 billion debt owed by national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia to various domestic and international creditors. "Garuda's debt restructuring proposal has been approved by the FSPC," Garuda president Abdul Gani told reporters following a meeting with the FSPC, which groups several senior economic ministers.

Yudovin enters Hall of Fame after strait swim

Yudovin enters Hall of Fame after strait swim By Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): David Yudovin, 48, does little these days except strum on the guitar. He may sound like a good for nothing but he deserves this break. After all, the professional American swimmer has just surfaced from having successfully negotiated the treacherous waters of the Sunda Strait, on July 8. Yudovin, who swims straits around the world, feels that this one was the most challenging one of all.

China aids fight against drug trade

China aids fight against drug trade BANGKOK (Reuters): China has encouraged Myanmar's ethnic groups to grow sugarcane instead of narcotic drugs, visiting Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao told Thailand's prime minister, a Thai official said on Thursday.

President strikes back

President strikes back JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid struck back at the House of Representatives (DPR) on Thursday, accusing it of betraying the 1945 Constitution and refusing to answer questions on his reasons for firing two economic ministers in April.

Cooperative head nabbed over scam

Cooperative head nabbed over scam BOGOR (JP): The head of Ciseeng village cooperative has been detained for the past two weeks at Cibinong Prosecutor's Office for allegedly embezzling Rp 1 billion, an official said on Tuesday. Head of the intelligence department of the prosecutor's office S. Situmorang said that Oman, 50, took money that was supposed to be distributed as credit funds to local farmers who are members of the cooperative.

PTUN drops Parni Hadi's lawsuit against Gus Dur

PTUN drops Parni Hadi's lawsuit against Gus Dur JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN) dismissed on Thursday the lawsuit filed by former general manager of state-owned Antara news agency, Parni Hadi, against President Abdurrahman Wahid over a controversial leadership reshuffle in the agency. The lawsuit challenged the President's decision on March 20, 2000, to appoint columnist and researcher Mohamad Sobary as Antara's new general manager, replacing Parni.

KL revives developer fund

KL revives developer fund KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia has revived a fund to help developers who ran out of cash before completing housing projects, Housing Minister Ong Ka Ting said Thursday. He told a conference that 157 private housing projects were abandoned as of the end of last year. But only 46 of them -- totaling 13,855 homes -- could be revived at an estimated cost of 1.3 billion ringgit ($342 million).

Kodam to stay out of politics: Ryamizard

Kodam to stay out of politics: Ryamizard BIDADARI ISLAND (JP): Since the capital's security has been delegated to the city police, the Jakarta Military Command will focus on developing into a professional unit, Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu said on Thursday. He said he was trying to eradicate the city military's involvement in politics as well as its interference in security affairs.

APEC members urged to reform economic laws

APEC members urged to reform economic laws JAKARTA (JP): Members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum must restructure their economic laws and institutions in light of the Asian financial crisis, a top Japanese business leader said on Thursday.

40 houses damaged in Banyumas brawl

40 houses damaged in Banyumas brawl PURWOKERTO, Central Java: An overnight brawl between residents of the neighboring villages of Karangkemiri and Adisara in Banyumas left 40 houses damaged and at least one man injured, police said. According to Banyumas Police chief Supt. Imam Basuki, the incident was triggered by an assault on a Karangkemiri resident, identified as Sutrisno, by three drunken men from Adisara at about 9 p.m. on Wednesday.

Analysts criticize Gus Dur's stance on interpellation

Analysts criticize Gus Dur's stance on interpellation JAKARTA (JP): Political observers slammed President Abdurrahman Wahid's performance at Thursday's interpellation at the House of Representatives, saying he missed a golden opportunity to boost his public image and reconcile his political differences with the legislature.

Fire guts vocational school

Fire guts vocational school JAKARTA (JP): A fire early on Thursday morning gutted part of SMK Tri Dharma vocational school in Kebon Pedes subdistrict, Tanah Sereal. Thursday daytime activities at the school, however, took place as usual. Night watchman Trisno said the fire started at around 4:45 a.m. He believes that it started in the school's kitchen. The fire also burned a food kiosk, the students organization's office and a Toyota Kijang minivan owned by teacher Azis Tafiudin.

Polynesian ancestors may have migrated through RI: Research

Polynesian ancestors may have migrated through RI: Research By Randolph E. Schmid WASHINGTON (AP): The native peoples of the scattered Polynesian islands in the vast eastern Pacific may have migrated there via Southeast Asia and Indonesia, a new study indicates. Previous research had suggested Polynesian origins were in Taiwan or the southwestern Pacific islands of Melanesia.

Doyok nabbed with 'shabu-shabu'

Doyok nabbed with 'shabu-shabu' JAKARTA (JP): Police detectives arrested noted comedian Doyok Sudharmaji at his house in the plush Lippo Karawaci estate in Tangerang with the possession of 0.5 grams of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine) on Thursday afternoon. "The police personnel found the shabu-shabu in a cigarette pack and a small handbag," said deputy chief of narcotics Asst. Supt. Mangatas Tambunan at his office. Chief of City Police detectives Sr. Supt.

Elites reveal cases for self-interest

Elites reveal cases for self-interest JAKARTA (JP): The recent disclosures of financial improprieties involving government officials were motivated by self-interest for the purpose of undermining political opponents rather than a search for justice, an executive of a non- governmental organization said. The executive director of IPCOS (Institute for Policy and Community Development Studies) Johan O.

What lies behind mob violence

What lies behind mob violence By Solita Sarwono WASENAAR, The Netherlands (JP): In the late 1960s following the attempted coup in Indonesia, nobody wanted to be accused of being a member of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), as such allegations would mean death. Thousands of people were condemned to death without being tried; executed by an angry and paranoid public.

Oil price windfall might save state revenue targets

Oil price windfall might save state revenue targets JAKARTA (JP): The government is unlikely to face difficulties in achieving revenue targets in the current April-December state budget if the bullish outlook in the world's oil prices continues in the second semester of this year.

Sutiyoso's accountability speech rejected

Sutiyoso's accountability speech rejected JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Regional Council voted on Thursday to reject the yearly accountability speech of Governor Sutiyoso for his failure to provide detailed explanations to the councillors' questions. The decision was made in an open vote at the end of the lengthy plenary meeting at the City Hall on Jl. Kebon Sirih, that lasted from 9 a.m until 6:15 p.m.

Police take six students in anti-Golkar protest

Police take six students in anti-Golkar protest JAKARTA (JP): At least six university students, including a female, were arrested by police shortly after they began to disburse from an anti-Golkar Party rally near the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) in Central Jakarta. Two male students were severely beaten by the police, leaving them bleeding from noses, mouths and ears.

Search for 'Cahaya Bahari' ends

Search for 'Cahaya Bahari' ends JAKARTA (JP): After a three-week search, the National Search and Rescue Agency on Thursday halted their efforts to locate the 550 passengers from the Cahaya Bahari, which sank on June 29 in the Siau waters near North Sulawesi's Sangihe Talaud regency. "We will officially end the search at 12 a.m. on July 20.

Two killed in misunderstanding

Two killed in misunderstanding BOGOR (JP): Residents of Rangga Mekar subdistrict in Bogor Selatan district mobbed two men to death after a passerby screamed "thief" when he saw one victim chasing the other. The victims were identified as Abi Bayu and Ade Koswara. An eyewitness, identified as Ganosef Amsyahril, said Abi had visited Ade's residence in Batutulis, Bogor, on Tuesday. Ade was away in the Rangga Mekar area at the time.

Roslin only wants to give his best

Roslin only wants to give his best JAKARTA (JP): When on the top form, Malaysia's Roslin Hashim, who is known for his ups and downs, is unstoppable. He stole not only the attention of some 1,000 spectators at the modified Senayan Tennis Indoor Stadium, but the chances of top seed and current world number one Peter Gade Christensen of Denmark of triumphing in the Sanyo Indonesia Open on Thursday. Roslin, who was born in Kelantan on Oct.

Top seeds bow out to Malaysians in Indonesia Open

Top seeds bow out to Malaysians in Indonesia Open JAKARTA (JP): Malaysia produced the biggest upset in the US$150,000 Sanyo Indonesia Open at the Senayan Tennis Indoor Stadium on Thursday, eliminating three top seeded players in the men's singles. Roslin Hashim opened the scalping with a come-from-behind 9- 15, 15-3, 15-7 win over top seed and the current world number one Peter Gade Christensen of Denmark for a place in Friday's quarterfinals.

City intensifies policing operation

City intensifies policing operation JAKARTA (JP): From a distance, a couple of tourists thought something interesting was going on at the National Monument. They asked the driver of their bajaj (three-wheel motorized vehicle) to stop so they could have a look. However, a few men in dressed in brown approached the driver, Durmad, and fined him Rp 18,500 -- his earnings for the day -- for stopping in a prohibited zone.

Millions spent for Sepang F1 circuit

Millions spent for Sepang F1 circuit KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Managers of Malaysia's Sepang Formula One circuit said Thursday they have spent 30 million ringgit (US$7.9 million) upgrading seating and other spectator comforts before this year's race. Hussin Mohamad Ali, general manager of Sepang International Circuit, said that with 90 days to go tickets worth 25 million ringgit had been sold. He said he expected total sales of 65 million ringgit.